With the words “it’s time to stop now,” Donald Trump has publicly curbed Israel’s ambitions regarding the West Bank, stating he will not allow its annexation. This direct intervention from the US president sets a new boundary in the relationship with his closest Middle Eastern ally and directly challenges the agenda of Israel’s powerful far-right movement.
The statement was made just as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was arriving in New York, ensuring it would dominate his visit. Netanyahu now faces the difficult task of managing the fallout, caught between the demands of his nationalist coalition and the explicit prohibition from the United States.
This American position seems to be a clear response to a wave of international pressure. Fearing a retaliatory move from Trump after they recognized Palestine, European allies launched a significant lobbying effort. This was reinforced by Arab nations, who warned of the “grave consequences” of annexation, a message that was apparently received and acted upon.
The West Bank remains the epicenter of the territorial dispute, with 700,000 Israeli settlers living in communities that have expanded since the 1967 war. These settlements are widely viewed as illegal under international law and are a primary obstacle to the creation of a viable Palestinian state.
This major development is occurring as the US is also pushing a new peace initiative for Gaza. A 21-point plan has been proposed to end the nearly two-year war that has killed over 65,000 Palestinians. Trump expressed hope for a breakthrough, citing “very good talks” with regional leaders and Netanyahu aimed at securing the release of hostages and establishing a lasting peace.
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